Question

Define vegetative propagation. Differentiate between stem tuber and tuberous stem.

Answer 1

Hint: Vegetative propagation is the method of formation of new plants from vegetative parts such as roots, propagules, leaves, stem, etc. The offspring produced are usually cloned to the parent plant and the genetic information remains constant throughout many generations.

Complete answer:
Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction where the offsprings are detached from the parent plant and form a whole new plant with the same genetic constitution. An important ability that allows for vegetative propagation is the ability to develop adventitious roots which arise from other vegetative parts of the plants such as the stem or leaves. These adventitious roots allow for the formation of new plants from body parts of other plants.

The Meristem Tissue makes the vegetative propagation possible. The Meristem Tissue is found in stem, leaves, tuber, runner etc that have undifferentiated cells which constantly divide allowing the plant to grow and which give rise to the plant Tissue system. The continuous division of Meristem Tissue allows the vegetative propagation.

Tuberous root	Stem tuber
They are enlarged secondary roots.	They are swollen sections of stem.
There are no nodes or buds.	Tuberous stems genetically have an orientation with vegetative buds.
The enlarged area of the root-tuber, or storage root, can be produced at the end or middle of a root or involve the complete root.	They occur on the main stem, usually just under the soil level.
Tuberous roots act as storage structures, allowing the plant to survive a dormant period.	They act like seeds, producing small plants that resemble (in morphology arid size) seedlings.

Note: Some examples of Vegetative propagation are Begonia from leaves, mint, from the stem, tulips from buds, sweet potato from the roots. Some examples of stem tubers are potatoes, yam, dahlias and cassava. Some examples of the tuberous stem are Begonia species such as Tuberous begonia and Begonia xtuberhybrida.